Recovering after the ball hits the net
General
Collin Hill Asked 12 years ago
Hi Alois and Jeff, I've been having a problem trying to return a ball that is coming long but hits the net and goes short (not too short but just so that the ball hits the table twice)... So for instance, I'm set up for a long forehand topspin and the ball is coming fast and it ticks the net and becomes a short ball... Is there an effective way to return this?
Thanks
Jeff Plumb Answered 12 years ago
Hi Collin,
There's no easy way to practice this unless you know someone who can hit the top of the net at will. :) And as it happens infrequently, you are better off focusing on improving your normal shots than worrying too much about this.
In this situation you just have to do the best you can. You don't have much time to adjust so it's really difficult to control the ball.
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Collin Hill Posted 12 years ago
Ok thanks Jeff
Martin Elliget Posted 12 years ago
I'm not saying you're necessarily doing this Collin but one thing I've noticed, when playing or umpiring matches, is that some people assume that they cannot reach a shot that's hit the net and fallen short. It's almost an automatic thing (I've done it myself, on occasion). But it's surprising what you can reach if you move in as soon as you've noticed what's happened and really stretch to return the ball. And hopefully the ball is then literally back in your opponent's court and short too.
regards,
Martin
I agree Martin. I often see players give up as soon as the ball hits the net instead of really going for it.
Collin, I think one thing that really helps you to be able to get the ball that hits the net is good balance. I think the best shot I ever saw was a shot by Wang Hao in the World Teams final against Germany. The ball came through off a topspin and hit the net. He was able to remain balanced and make a counter topspin for a winner. It doesn't sound spectacular but at the time I was just amazed at his ability. He was so strong in the legs and so well balanced that he was able to make the shot.